Meet Simon Davies | Executive Director of a national charity

We had the good fortune of connecting with Simon Davies and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Simon, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Being authentic, focussed and unafraid of setbacks. The emerging generation of customers expect honesty, transparency, and commitments beyond profit. Old style capitalism is dying and being replaced by more thoughtful entrepreneurs.
Never forget to keep the core of your business stable and robust. Do not lose focus on your mission for the sake of a fast buck.
Setbacks are inevitable and should be considered the best learning opportunities you will get that will strengthen your business in the long term.
I liken it to a road run. You need to know your destination and your route but you have to pay attention to the sidewalks and the roads you are running on because that is where the cracks and the potholes are that will trip you up along the way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Teen Cancer America is a disruptive game changer and proud of it. We are breaking down the silos of traditional medicine, treatment and support by bridging the pediatric and adult cancer divide and tackling the most complex systems and cultures that have never been challenged in this way. We are pioneering and relentless in pursuit of better outcomes and survival for young people with cancer.
We have had to overcome ego, systemic opposition and intransigence but we have built a brand reputation for excellence that is now sought after.
We never give up despite the opposition. My favorite saying is from old Ireland. “When you come up against a wall, first throw your hat over it, then figure out how to go and get it back.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Getty Center – doesn’t matter what’s on. It’s the exquisite environment, the angles and the perspectives. It never disappoints Cocktails at The Perch, Downtown at dusk to enjoy daylight and night time views and vibes.
Sunday flea market at Melrose and Fairfax.
The garlic knot at Milo and Olive or anything else on their healthy menu
The cheap seats at The Hollywood Bowl to enjoy the show and the Bowl
Monthly food truck night on Abbott Kinney. Starve yourself before a culinary trip around the world cuisine.
Open top car drive along Sunset Boulevard on Friday or Saturday night. Glorious tackiness, billboard paradise, wealth and street life rubs shoulders
Bike ride the boardwalk from Palisades to Marina Del Rey and stop at Santa Monica Pier, the craziness of Venice and the Marina harbor
Lunch at Republique – divine gastronomy
Find a member to get you in to Soho House in Malibu
Wander through the vintage streetlight cluster at night outside LACMA

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe it all to my partner Geraldine for being my fiercest critic and my most fearless advocate and supporter, all wrapped up in one beautiful person.

Website: www.teencanceramerica.org

Instagram: teencanceramerica

Linkedin: Teen Cancer America

Twitter: teeencancerusa

Facebook: TeenCancerAmerica

Youtube: Teen Cancer America

Other: Snapchat: TeenCancerUSA